Class Descriptions

Ethics and Ethical Dilemmas in the Provision of Services to Children and Families

SW720

Credits:	1
Prerequisites:	None

Pathway Associations

Community Change
Global
Interpersonal Practice
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political
Program Evaluation
Older Adults
Children & Families	Elective (Host)

Course Description

This course will prepare students at the advanced level of social work practice to identify and resolve ethical dilemmas with children and families. Ethics is addressed in all areas of social work education and practice; therefore, this course will provide the theory and framework for making ethical decisions across all levels of practice. Ethical issues include, but are not limited to protection of life, autonomy and freedom, least harm, full disclosure, racial bias and predictive analytics (e.g., disproportionality and disparities), child removal, the termination of parental rights, and privacy.

This course begins with an overview of the mission and values of social work practice, utilizing the NASW Code of Ethics as the primary framework for ethical-decision making. Students will learn the difference between a value conflict and an ethical dilemma, how to apply theory, and models for mediating ethical dilemmas in your work with individuals, families, and groups. Theories (e.g. deontological, utilitarian, and moral) will be the basis for ethical decision-making in this course and justification models will be introduced through the use of concrete issues and case examples.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1) Discuss the historical context of ethics in social work and the emergence of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW).
2) Define common terms such as ethics, values, morality, ethical dilemmas, and ethical principles.
3) Identify the purpose and functions of the NASW and IFSW Code of Ethics.
4) Differentiate between deontological, teleological, motivist, natural law, transcultural ethical, and ethical relativism theories.
5) Discuss the relationship between ethical theories and the NASW Code of Ethics.
6) Identify the different ethical decision-making models.
7) Discuss the psychological context of the ethical decision making by applying Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development.
8) Discuss ethical issues that emerge within social work practice that particularly impacts children and families.
9) Recognize and embrace the role of diversity and social justice in understanding and addressing ethical dilemmas.

Design

This course uses an engaged-learning approach, which employs a myriad of pedagogical strategies such as: lecture, class discussions, small group work, simulated exercises and role-plays, case examples, pre- and post-tests, assigned readings and other activities in order to facilitate understanding of the course content. Most classes will include a instructor lecture or student presentation, accompanied by a participatory discussion and ethical practice/activity.

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

This course integrates PODS content and skills with a special emphasis on the identification of theories, practice and/or policies that promote social justice, illuminate injustices and are consistent with scientific and professional knowledge. Through the use of a variety of instructional methods, this course will support students developing a vision of social justice, learn to recognize and reduce mechanisms that support oppression and injustice, work toward social justice processes, apply intersectionality and intercultural frameworks and strengthen critical consciousness, self-knowledge and self-awareness to facilitate PODS learning.

This course integrates P.O.D.S. by learning how to understand and demonstrate an ethical decision-making process guided by the social work profession’s two code of ethics: National Association of Social Work (NASW) and the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW). Students will learn how P.O.D.S. issues both, support and challenge the social worker’s role as micro, meso and macro practitioners. Course content will place special emphasis on recognizing the how P.O.D.S. ethical dilemmas arise when working to improve the welfare of children, youth and families.